Tropical Storm Debby Update #4

The Town of Seabrook Island is continuing to monitor impacts from Tropical Storm Debby. Charleston County continues to be under a tropical storm warning, flash flood warning, tornado watch, and storm surge warning. Charleston County and Seabrook Island remain in OPCON 1. Governor Henry McMaster has declared a State of Emergency for South Carolina. Mayor Bruce Kleinman also declared a State of Emergency for the Town of Seabrook Island at 12:00 PM on Monday.
 
Right now, Seabrook Island has a few downed trees that St. John’s Fire Department is assisting with. Chief Ryan Kunitzer asks if a tree falls in the roadway, please utilize 9-1-1. He said they will respond to all emergencies as conditions allow. Two swift water boat teams from Greenville County have arrived to assist them with emergency operations, if needed
 
The National Weather Service is forecasting heavy rain in our area to continue through at least Thursday. The forecast calls for another 3 to 5 inches today, 1 to 3 inches tomorrow and 2 to 4 inches on Thursday. Tropical storm force winds could peak on Thursday as the storm center moves over our area. A 2- to 4-foot storm surge is also possible.
 
The Town of Seabrook Island is urging residents to stay off the roadways during the storm as some roads could become dangerous or impassable. Motorists should never drive around barricades or through waters of unknown depth.
 
The Charleston County Sheriff’s Office will have deputies on hand around the clock. Two ambulances will also on standby. Please keep in mind that emergency response may be delayed if roads become impassable due to flooding.
 
Citizens are encouraged to report structure damage/debris at this link: Citizen Damage Report (arcgis.com). This will support Charleston County’s eligibility to request federal assistance based on the number and severity of damaged structures. Here is a link for information on Individual Assistance https://www.fema.gov/assistance/individual
A reminder that Town Hall is closed and will remain closed through at least Wednesday. All town meetings for this week have been cancelled.
 
Seabrook Island Property Owners Association (SIPOA) facilities, including the Lake House and SIPOA administrative offices will remain closed through Wednesday. The SIPOA gate will remain closed to contractors through Wednesday.
 
All Seabrook Island Club facilities will be closed until further notice.
 
Seabrook Island Beach Patrol will not be patrolling today and Wednesday. Residents and visitors are advised to stay off of the beach due to storm surge, as well as an elevated risk of rip currents, heavy surf and waterspouts.
 
Charleston County will be opening a general population shelter at North Charleston High School at 1087 E Montague Avenue later today. The shelter at Dunston Elementary School has reached compacity. There is also a pet-friendly shelter at the Sheriff’s Office at 3841 Leeds Avenue in North Charleston.
 
Charleston County has set up a community information line, which will be available daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The number is (843) 746-3900 (3909 for Spanish).
 
The Town encourages residents and visitors to continue to monitor local meteorologists weather updates this week to get the latest updates on Tropical Storm Debby. Now is the time to sign up for CodeRED to get emergency updates. The Town will continue to follow guidance from federal, state and county leaders and will provide updates throughout the week.
SAFETY REMINDERS

• DIAL 911 FOR EMERGENCIES. Emergency calls to 911 should be reserved for life-threatening situations, or for the reporting of a crime or fire.
• SECURE BELONGINGS. Residents should secure outdoor furniture, trash cans, and other materials which may become airborne during high winds.
• STAY HOME. If possible, residents are encouraged to stay off the roads during the storm. Do not attempt to drive through water of unknown depth. Turn around, don’t drown!
• MONITOR LOCAL NEWS OUTLETS. Residents are advised to monitor local media outlets for storm updates and emergency notices.
• REPORT POWER OUTAGES. Power outages may be reported to Berkeley Electric Cooperative by phone at (888) 253-4232 or online at https://www.berkeleyelectric.coop/. 
• FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA. For the most up-to-date information, follow the Town of Seabrook Island on Facebook and X.

 
Property owners and managers with rental guests should forward this information to their rental guests. Owners and managers of commercial establishments are also encouraged to share this information with their employees.